What Is a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)?

A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is a professional pilot who teaches students how to fly and prepares them for certifications such as the Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License, and more. CFIs play one of the most essential roles in aviation—they are responsible for shaping new pilots’ knowledge, skills, judgment, and safety habits.

CFIs work at university aviation programs, flight academies, Part 141 training centers, or local Part 61 schools. Many professional pilots become CFIs to build the experience and flight hours required for airline, cargo, or corporate flying.

CFIs are responsible for:

• Teaching aerodynamics, aircraft systems, weather, navigation, and regulations

• Demonstrating flight maneuvers, landings, stalls, and emergencies

• Supervising student solos and initial cross-country flights

• Preparing ground lessons, briefings, and debriefings

• Evaluating student progress and maintaining training records

• Emphasizing risk management, safety, and proper decision-making

• Ensuring compliance with FAA training standards (ACS/PTS)

Being a CFI requires strong communication, patience, professionalism, and a deep understanding of aviation.

How to Start Your Journey as a CFI

1. Meet basic requirements

To become a CFI, you must:

• Hold a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

• Hold an Instrument Rating (IR)

• Be 18 years old or older

• Hold at least a 3rd-Class Medical (or higher if required for other roles)

• Pass FAA knowledge tests and a practical exam

2. Complete core pilot training first

CFIs must already be qualified pilots, which usually requires:

• Private Pilot License (PPL)

• Instrument Rating

• Commercial Pilot Certificate

• Multi-Engine Rating (optional, but very valuable)

Pilots can complete this training at universities, academies, or local flight schools.

3. Begin CFI-specific training

This is where you learn how to teach, not just how to fly.

You’ll train in:

• Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI)

• Teaching complex ground topics clearly and confidently

• Developing lesson plans and syllabi

• Right-seat flying and maneuver demonstration

• Handling student mistakes and maintaining safety

• FAA regulations for flight instruction

You must prepare for and pass:

• FOI knowledge test

• CFI knowledge test

• CFI practical checkride (oral + flight evaluation)

The CFI checkride is known as one of the most difficult in aviation because it evaluates both flying skill and instruction ability.

4. Add additional instructor ratings (recommended)

Most CFIs continue training to expand their qualifications:

• CFII (Instrument Instructor)

Teaches instrument flying and IFR procedures.

This certification is highly valuable for employment and flight hour building.

• MEI (Multi-Engine Instructor)

Teaches multi-engine aircraft operations, including engine-out procedures.

This rating allows you to build multi-engine time, which is important for airline/cargo transitions.

5. Get hired by a flight school or university

CFIs teach in many types of environments:

Part 141 Flight Schools

Structured programs with syllabi, standardization, and high student volume.

University Flight Programs

Large training fleets, strong oversight, and many opportunities to teach instrument and multi-engine courses.

Part 61 Schools

Flexible scheduling, diverse students, and more autonomy.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Conducting flight lessons, ground lessons, and simulator sessions

• Tracking student progress and FAA requirements

• Ensuring safety during all phases of training

• Preparing students for checkrides through stage checks and mock orals

Many CFIs fly 80–100+ hours per month, depending on demand and weather.

Career Pathways Within Flight Instruction

Primary Instructor (Private Pilot Training)

Teaches brand-new students.

Key responsibilities:

• Basic flight maneuvers and visual flying

• Takeoff, landing, stalls, slow flight

• Pattern work and navigation basics

• Supervising solo flights

Instrument Instructor (CFII)

Teaches advanced navigation and IFR procedures.

Key responsibilities:

• Approaches, holds, SIDs/STARs

• Partial panel and instrument emergencies

• IFR cross-country planning

• Simulator instruction

Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)

Teaches multi-engine operations and emergencies.

Key responsibilities:

• Vmc demonstrations

• Engine-out performance and control

• Multi-engine maneuvers for commercial and ATP standards

University/Professional Academy Instructor

Works in formal academic environments.

Key responsibilities:

• Following structured syllabi

• Training large student volume

• High standardization and safety oversight

• Potential to move into leadership or check pilot roles

Lead / Chief Instructor

Manages the entire instructor staff.

Key responsibilities:

• Standardization of all instructors

• Conducting stage checks and evaluations

• Mentoring new CFIs

• Managing safety, procedures, and student flow

Top Training Programs for Becoming a CFI

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Large-scale flight department with many CFI opportunities and airline pipelines.

• University of North Dakota (UND)

Major collegiate training center with robust CFI programs.

• Purdue, MTSU, WMU, SIU, and other aviation universities

Strong flight programs with built-in CFI positions.

• ATP Flight School

Accelerated pathway with many CFI openings at their nationwide locations.

• Local Part 61 Flight Schools

Flexible training environment with broad student interactions.

Tip: Many pilots become CFIs at the same school where they trained.

Trends & Opportunities in Flight Instruction

• High demand for CFIs due to pilot shortages

• Airlines recruiting CFIs earlier and offering bonuses

• Increased use of advanced flight sims and scenario-based training

• More CFIs promoted into training roles at airlines and corporate operators

• Strong career stability due to constant student flow

• CFIs can quickly reach ATP minimums at busy schools

Final Thoughts

Flight instructors are the backbone of aviation. They teach new pilots not just how to fly, but how to make safe decisions, analyze risk, and build strong habits. For students looking for a meaningful job, a pathway to rapid hour-building, and the opportunity to shape the next generation of aviators, becoming a CFI is a rewarding and mission-driven career.